Dear Parents/Guardians,

On Monday, August 21, a solar eclipse will cross the United States with partial visibility in Arizona with its peak at 10:33 a.m.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) states that at no time during the eclipse should a person look directly at the sun. Exposure of the retina to intense visible light causes damage to the eye’s light-sensitive rod and cone cells. The result is a loss of visual function that may be either temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the damage. The risk to vision is significant because the associated injuries occur without any feeling of pain, and the visual effects do not occur for at least several hours after the damage is done.

For the safety of all students, all WESD schools will be on a mandatory rainy day schedule Monday, August 21. Recess and other outdoor activities will be canceled from 9:15 a.m. to noon to ensure the safety of our students.

We understand that this is an exciting and educational experience. If students and staff

plan on viewing the eclipse, we are recommending that teachers use the NASA livestream, https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Estimados Padres/Guardianes,

El lunes, 21 de agosto, un eclipse solar cruzará los Estados Unidos con visibilidad parcial en Arizona con su punto de mayor intensidad a las 10:33 a.m.

La Administración Nacional de la Aeronáutica y del Espacio (NASA por sus siglas en inglés) declara que en ningún momento durante el eclipse debe una persona mirar directamente al sol. El que la retina sea expuesta a luz visible intensa daña los bastones y conos del ojo que son sensibles a la luz. El resultado es la pérdida de funcionamiento visual que pudiese ser temporal o permanente, dependiendo en la gravedad del daño. El riesgo a la visión es significativo porque las lesiones asociadas ocurren sin ninguna sensación de dolor y los efectos visuales no ocurren hasta al menos varias horas después de que el daño se ha hecho.

Para la seguridad de todos los estudiantes, todas las escuelas de WESD estarán en un horario obligatorio de día lluvioso el lunes, 21 de agosto. Se cancelarán el recreo y otras actividades al aire libre desde las 9:15 a.m. hasta el mediodía para asegurar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes.

Entendemos que esta es una experiencia emocionante y educativa. Si los estudiantes y el personal planean ver el eclipse, recomendamos que los maestros utilicen la transmisión en vivo de NASA, https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive.

Gracias por su comprensión y apoyo.

Atentamente

Mountain Sky Jumpstart

PIRATES –OF EAGLE ISLAND

The Treasure of Knowledge

Avast ye maties!  So ye thinks ye can tame the seas, eh?  Well, if adventure is what ye seek, then your presence is required as we gather and train our crew on our newly scuttled ship the Maroon Pearl. We`ll be sailing into uncharted waters for we will be seeking the elusive buried Treasure of Knowledge, so we will be having to train a crew first - a process sure to test yer salt.  You’`’ll learn fast or learn to drink sea water by walking the plank.  We’`’ll be sailing the shark infested waters of Apathy Reef and roundin’ the aggravating Horn of FidgetSpinner, but where the “X” marks the spot, we`’ll learn 30 ways to cook seagull.  Actually, we`’ll learn the code of the mast and how to survive aboard the Maroon Pearl, our home for our 36 week adventure.    

 Dates:  We set to sail July 25 & 26 (8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Purpose:We have just two days to develop your sea legs and sharpen your skills. You’ll need to learn your crew (fellow students), and how to tame the seven seas (how to be successful in middle school).  There may be challenges ahead, but you will all learn how to face them together, one-eyed ‘er two.          

Some activities:

Icebreakers

Team builders

Scavenger Hunt

Transportation:

Our ship The Maroon Pearl is still being outfitted for the next journey so you will have to catch the smaller privateering vessels (buses) to get to Eagle Island.  I have sent a schedule, for those traveling across the seas, and a map of the Island itself.  If yer using yer own ship, we do ask that no buccaneer be marooned on the island, so please arrive and shove off promptly.  There may still be plundering aboard in the morning so please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the day. (See attached letter with bus schedules only good for Jump Start.  The bus routes during the school year likely will be different).

Upon arrival:

All swabs will report to the galley (cafeteria) to meet the captain and crew.  There, they will be assigned an experienced sea dog (teacher) and powder monkey (8^th grade student) to complete their training.

What to Bring:

You may bring your own rations (snacks) and grog (water). Other equipment will be provided. 

You will be roving about the island, so dress comfortably, but remember our dress code applies anytime our students are on campus.  (No landlubber gear such as hats, bandanas, visors, flip-flops, or tube/tank tops.  Also, no bare midriffs, no exposed undergarments, or inappropriate slogans on clothing.)

Expectations:

While a pirate’s life is social and full of frivolity, discipline is a part of a pirate’s life as well.  If we must, we will make any unruly buccaneers walk the plank.  Being on time, and working hard as a crew, will ensure that we find the treasure and break the curse of Eagle Island.

Avast! Me Hearties, and look to the seas.  There, together we all will find redemption or Davy Jones.  Eye patch not included. 

Perry “Marlinspike” Mason, Captain (Principal)